The cancer patient with chronic pain due to herpes zoster

Abstract

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is the most common complication of herpes zoster, and as such has been an area of extensive medical research for the past three decades. The patients at highest risk for PHN include those older than 50 years, those with severe acute cases of zoster, and those with shingles in a trigeminal distribution. As persons with malignancy are at a high risk for developing zoster itself, PHN is a complication that will be faced by many of these patients and their caregivers. This article reviews the available treatments and preventative measures for this debilitating condition.